TXcruzer

Certainly your perogative. In my area, I have no trouble sending my patients to them (however I will suggest someplace else that is free), but these labs here carry the same CAP and CLIA certification as any other lab I may refer to.

depends on the vaccines received and the timing.

An entire industry has been borne out of the pandemic. "Covid testing for travel" businesses have popped up all over.

Lambda variant isolated yesterday in Houston. Delta will be a thing of the past in the eyes of the media in a hot minute.

Welcome to RC Blog Be patient, I am confident by April, this "mixed vaccine" narrative will have changed.

Yet it was quotes from the WHO's own advisory panel that has initiated all of this concern, and not only with cruise lines, some Caribbean islands have updated their entry requirements to reflect this policy.

Written word on the RCL FAQ just updated. NO mixed vaccines

WHO recognizes mixed vaccines as long as they are the same type. Pfizer and Moderna mixed are OK because the are both mRna, Mixing an AZ and a mRna dose would not be considered fully vaccinated by the WHO.

Or at least ease up on the "masks indoors" rules since the ship will be so heavily vaccinated

Well it really isn't the CDC. From the CSO; "consider prohibiting self-guided or independent exploration" for unvaccinated guests and "offer supervised shore excursions." So independent excursions for unvaccinated isn't prohibited. That said, this Alaska situation is a different kettle of fish entirely. Here we have American citizens (presumably) visiting an American city, having never stepped foot in a foreign land, being restricted as to what they can and can not do unsupervised. This is skirting the margins of constitutional freedoms. Full disclosure, I am vaccinated and believe everyone should be, I do not have an Alaskan cruise planned, BUT, what's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong, and this Alaskan excursion policy is wrong.

But if you fly to Alaska, and are unvaccinated, you can do ANYTHING you want. Why are recreationaL activities restricted just because you arrived by ship?

Finally a conclusion to this sad tale https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/royal-caribbean-is-not-responsible-for-the-death-of-toddler-in-2019-judge-rules/ar-AAM979y?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531

Only for Adventure

BUT an unmasked day on a cruise ship beats all others; and it is an option with other lines

I can't wait to hear about your experience. As i said, I have cancelled Symphony for an un masked alternative as well

I did not mean to place “blame” on anyone, Royal Caribbean certainly has the right to institute whatever protocols they seem fit to be best for themselves You and I are like minded. I cancelled my August Symphony, and rebooked Edge for exactly the same reasons.

I understand what the public facing literature says, but the reality appears to be different. In talking to several folks onboard the Edge the last couple weeks, masks are “encouraged” not “required”. Carnival not requiring vaccinated to mask. I am not trying to be difficult, but I do believe that the current protocols are, in many ways, a product of Royal Caribbean’s decisions.

Sorry but that is not the way Carnival and Celebrity are operating out of Florida.

However it IS up to them to not restrict numbers of unvaccinated, so in a way, it is Royal’s decision.

We usually stay at the Hilton on NASA boulevard, it’s about a 30 minute drive from hotel parking lot to the terminal. (Side note, about a 10-15 minute drive over to Kemah Boardwalk for dinner the night before)

Unfortunately discretion doesn't lend itself to this situation. The staff needs to be able to identify the vaccinated individuals easily and without undue interruption of normal activities. I am not a big fan of anything on my wrists (no watch or bracelets) but I guess it is a small price to pay for the time being.

The false positivity rate on rapid antigen testing in the asymptomatic population has a know high false positivity rate. The developer of the tests have stated this and notes that the test was NEVER intended to be used as a diagnostic tool.

Just a follow up, as the Florida "vaccine law" is now official and enforceable. We are seeing many reports that Freedom of the Seas is asking for vaccine proof in exchange for a less restricted on board experience.

As does the Bahamas

Sorry, but I must disagree. Just look at what Celebrity has successfully did in Florida.